ACHIEVEMENTS: Williams launched himself to the forefront of the local boys track and field scene this season with his amazing high jump of 6 feet, 10 inches at the Statesboro Relays, breaking the meet’s previous record of 6-7 set by Champ Bailey. But just as noteworthy was his performance at the Region 3-AAAAA championships when he won the high jump, triple jump, 400-meter run and ran a leg on the Rebels’ winning 4x400 relay team. He also ran a leg on the 4x100 relay team that qualified for sectionals. His first competitive jump in the triple was at region, where he jumped 45-3. “I was pumped that day,” he said. Williams finished third in the sectionals in the triple and second at state in the high jump.

INTERESTS: Williams stays busy with athletics throughout the year. He’s a wide receiver on the Rebels football team and plays forward on the basketball team. But he focuses on track in the spring, taking the time to study techniques of top high jumpers on YouTube.

WHAT’S NEXT: His rise in the high jump has spurred interest from Mississippi State, LSU and Georgia, Williams said.

WILLIAMS ON WILLIAMS: “I started as a freshman and I just kept improving throughout years. I was working on my legs because it takes a lot of power and effort to get over the bar. My first track meet (this year), I jumped 6-4 and kept going up from there. I got to 6-10 this year.”

ECHS COACH MIKE WARD ON WILLIAMS: “Tyjon jumped 6-4 last year and went to 6-10. You (improve) 6 inches in a year, that’s unheard of. It’s because of dedication. He’s on YouTube all the time, learning more about technique. He coaches himself and comes up with drills on his own. He’s a great athlete, but he’s a better kid.”